Method of pattern coating

Abstract

This invention is directed to a method of pattern coating, comprising the steps of: coating a substrate with an aqueous colored coating composition comprising a neutralization product of an acrylic copolymer containing an alkoxysilyl group and a carboxyl group and a coloring pigment, using a spray device having a fine-orifice nozzle(s) to give a pattern coating layer, and coating the pattern coating layer with a clear coating composition.

We claim: 
     
       1. A method of pattern coating, comprising the steps of: coating a substrate with an aqueous colored coating composition comprising a neutralization product of (A) an acrylic copolymer containing an alkoxysilyl group and a carboxyl group and (C) a coloring pigment, using a spray device having a fine-orifice nozzle(s) to give a pattern coating layer, and   coating the pattern coating layer with a clear coating composition.   
     
     
       2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the amount of the alkoxysilyl group in the copolymer (A) is about 0.03 to about 2.0 equivalents, per kilogram of the copolymer (A), calculated as the solid. 
     
     
       3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the copolymer (A) has an acid value of about 20 to about 150 mg KOH/g. 
     
     
       4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the copolymer (A) further contains a hydroxyl group and the hydroxyl value of the copolymer (A) is about 10 to about 150 mg KOH/g. 
     
     
       5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the copolymer (A) has a weight average molecular weight of about 3,000 to about 200,000. 
     
     
       6. The method according to claim 1, wherein a coloring pigment (C)/resin component ratio by weight is 5:100 to 200:100. 
     
     
       7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the aqueous coating composition contains, as the resin component, a neutralization product of (B) an acrylic copolymer containing a carboxyl group in addition to the neutralized acrylic copolymer (A). 
     
     
       8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the copolymer (B) has an acid value of about 20 to about 150 mg KOH/g. 
     
     
       9. The method according to claim 7, wherein the copolymer (B) further contains a hydroxyl group and the hydroxyl value of the copolymer (B) is about 10 to about 150 mg KOH/g. 
     
     
       10. The method according to claim 7, wherein the copolymer (B) has a weight average molecular weight of about 3,000 to about 200,000. 
     
     
       11. The method according to claim 7, wherein a coloring pigment (C)/resin component ratio by weight is 5:100 to 200:100. 
     
     
       12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the aqueous colored coating composition is at least one composition having a color selected from the group consisting of cyanic color, magenta color, yellow color and black color. 
     
     
       13. The method according to claim 1, wherein the substrate to be coated is an automotive body or automotive part. 
     
     
       14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the substrate to be coated is a substrate other than an automotive body or automotive part.